Our 1.1 Microwave Test Bench enables users to evaluate microwaves based on how easy they are to operate and their convenience features for everyday use.
What's Changed
New Usage
- Everyday Use
New Tests
- Ease of Use
- In-Use Noise
Changed Tests
- Cooking Chamber has been renamed 'Internal Capacity' and is now scored
Why Are We Making These Changes?
During the development of our initial microwave test bench, we discovered that all microwaves perform similarly when it comes to heating evenness. Every microwave we tested produced nearly identical results, meaning you can choose a microwave at any price point and expect it to heat food in the same manner. We also investigated whether high-end microwaves with inverters offer better performance and, again, found that inverter models offer no real-world advantage. As a result, it makes more sense to choose a microwave based on its quality-of-life features and your personal preferences. Our new and updated tests aim to help users with this aspect of a buying decision by detailing a microwave's internal capacity, how convenient its controls are to use, and how much noise it makes during operation.
New Tests And Usages
Everyday Use
This usage allows users to see at a glance how convenient and easy to use a microwave is, as well as how fast it cooks. It combines the new Ease of Use and In-Use Noise scores, the updated Internal Capacity score, and the Power score, providing users with an easy way to compare overall performance across models.
Ease of Use
In our new Ease of Use score, we detail the type of control interface, since dials and physical buttons are easier to use and more responsive than membrane and glass touch panels. We also note how many actions are required to perform simple and more complex cooking tasks, and which type of door release each microwave has: a handle or a button release (which doesn't require tight grasping).
In-Use Noise
In our new In-Use Noise test, we show how loud each microwave is, including the fan and magnetron during operation, but excluding any beeps or chimes.
Internal Capacity
In our previous test bench, this test was called 'Cooking Chamber.' We've updated it to be more specific and added a score, so users can compare microwaves by capacity and better understand which size cooking container will fit in each.
 |
 |
Let Us Know What You Think
Your feedback helps us improve our testing! If you have feedback, questions, or suggestions, we encourage you to leave a comment or email feedback@rtings.com. Our continued success relies on users like you!
12 Microwaves Updated So Far
We are retesting popular models first. So far, the test results for the following models have been converted to the new testing methodology. However, the text might be inconsistent with the new results.
- Breville the Smooth Wave
- Cuisinart CMW-70
- GE JVM3160RFSS
- GE JVM6175SKSS
- LG LMV1764ST
- LG MVEL2033F
- LG MVEM1825F
- Panasonic NE-12523
- Panasonic NN-CD87KS
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS
- Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS)
- Whirlpool WMH32519HZ
14 Microwaves Planned To Be Updated
We are also planning to retest the following products over the course of the next few weeks: